Qualitative Research Methods

Definition

Qualitative research methods collect and analyze qualitative data, which are often expressed in words rather than numbers. Qualitative data can be distinguished from quantitative data, which are expressed in numbers (e.g., a systolic blood pressure of 120 millimeters of mercury [mmHg]).

One example of a qualitative characteristic is skin coloration (at least as traditionally described). While normal skin colors vary from pinkish white to black, medical conditions and diseases can cause alterations of an individual’s skin color. Anemia can lead to a white color (in those not normally so white). Various inflammations can lead to a red color (e.g., a severe rash), and cyanosis resulting from cardiac failure or lung failure leads to a blue color. Such assessments are not recorded and reported in numbers but in descriptive text.

Some researchers regard categorical data as qualitative data, even though numerical representations do occur when presenting the data. Consider the...